Instead of going home to sit and wonder about it alone, Hazel went to the Lilac Café for a late lunch.If Jake’s was the place where people in her crowd went in the evening, the Café was the place where they met during the day.
Hazel parked the car and went inside.Several people were sitting inside in booths or at tables.She checked the patio and saw an empty table outside.
As she stepped onto the patio, she noticed Taylor Gilford Walker and her husband, Cooper, sitting outside talking to an unfamiliar man.
Taylor saw her and waved her over.“Come sit with us.”
Glad for the company, Hazel walked over and joined them.
“This is Henrik Larsen, Cooper’s lawyer,” said Taylor.“He’s in town for a work visit, but we’re hosting a party for him tonight at the cottage.I hope you’ll come.We’re sending out last-minute invitations.”
“It sounds delightful,” said Hazel.
“Have a seat,” said Cooper.“We just ordered.”He waved a waitress over to them.
Hazel ordered her favorite chicken salad and a glass of iced tea and then sat back.
“Henrik, this is Hazel Belmont, a transplanted southern belle from New Orleans,” teased Cooper.
“Now, Coopah, y’all know that’s a bit of exaggeration,” said Hazel, playing along.
The newcomer was a handsome man who looked to be in his late forties or early fifties.He had light-brown hair going gray at the temples, beautiful blue eyes, and rosy cheeks that went well with his quick smile.
“I’m pleased to meet you,” said Henrik.“What do you do in town?”
“At the moment, I’m not sure.I’m a third-grade teacher who may be moving on to something else,” said Hazel.“If you’re Cooper’s lawyer, do you live in New York City?”
“Yes, but when I got the chance to carry on business here, I quickly accepted, eager to see the town I’ve heard so much about.”
“I love living here,” said Hazel.“It takes some getting used to the quirks of small-town living where everyone knows your business, but I’m at home here.”
“As exciting as New York City is, I like being part of both worlds,” said Taylor.
“I’m finding myself here more than there.As long as I can do my job anywhere, this is where I want to be.Of course, some of my work has to be done in the city,” said Cooper.
Their food came, and conversation was intermittent as they enjoyed their meal.At the end of it, Hazel politely excused herself with the promise to bring some of her fudge brownies to the party.
At home, pleased to have something to fill her afternoon as she waited for a phone call from Ross, she got out the ingredients for her brownies.
When she hadn’t heard from Ross by the time she was ready to leave for the party, she told herself that no news wasn’t necessarily bad news and headed out.
CHAPTER FOUR
The Lilac Lake Cottage was part of the property excluded from the sale of the Lilac Lake Inn the Gilford women’s grandmother, GG, Genie Wittner, had owned.She’d arranged with the buyers for her family to retain the cottage and a few acres around it, with the understanding that the cottage would be renovated and lived in at least six months of the year.
Though there was room for all three sisters to stay there, it was mostly Taylor, or Taylor and Cooper, who lived there because Whitney and Dani were married and living in town already.
On this May afternoon, the weather cooperated with a sunny, pleasant day.
Hazel parked her car, got out, and carefully carried her tray of brownies and a bottle of wine to share.Walking toward the house, she caught up to Poppy Browning and Blake Loomis.
“Good afternoon,” said Hazel, smiling at them.
“A lovely day for a party,” said Blake.He gave Poppy a meaningful look.
Poppy held out her left hand so Hazel could see the gorgeous diamond sitting on her ring finger.
“Oh, Poppy!I’m so excited for you and Blake!Congratulations!As soon as I get rid of what I’m carrying, I’ll give you a hug,” cried Hazel.
